The vote to be the next National Chief will extend into a second day.

Officials late Wednesday indicated that the fourth vote is required after none of the candidates vying to lead the Assembly of First Nations hit the 60 per cent threshold needed to win.

Saskatchewan’s Reginald Bellerose was the leading vote getter, registering 144 ballots (40.3%) in the third round while former Deputy Chief of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation RoseAnne Archibald picked up 129 votes (36.1%).

Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation Alvin Fiddler compiled 64 votes (17.9%) and made a push to his supporters to support Archibald in the next vote

After much reflection and in consultation with family and Elders, I have decided to support RoseAnne Archibald as the next national Chief in recognition of how important it is that a woman lead in the current circumstances. I encourage those who voted for me to support her.

— Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler (@gcfiddler) July 8, 2021

357 votes were cast in the latest round as proceedings will pick up Thursday morning.

Bellegarde made it known in December of 2020 that he would not seek re-election.